"The words are just always there, saying what I want to say," Ms Kelly said.

"My poems always come from my heart."

So far, Ms Kelly has only written for family and friends but recently recited her "Lure of the Bush", about a two week high country trek, at Corryong's Man from Snowy River Bush Festival.

"That was pretty nerve wracking."

But when Ms Kelly's son, Private Aaron Ford, was told he was being deployed to Afghanistan sometime in the next six weeks, she wanted to commemorate the event.

The result is "My Baby Boy", which tracks Aaron's life from birth to his impending departure with the 26th Transport, 9FSB squadron as a heavy vehicle driver.

"We're basically going to help pack up," Private Ford said.

He expects to be in Afghanistan for six to eight months after joining the Australian Army 18 months ago.

Private Ford joined the army cadets as a teenager in Colac, winning the Most Improved Cadet in 2000 and the Most Outstanding Cadet in 2001.

He was also awarded the Most Outstanding Soldier award at his passing-out parade at Kapooka 18 months ago.

"The army is him to a tee," Ms Kelly said proudly.

Private Ford said his mother gave him a copy of the poem in Queensland just after his parade.

"It was really nice. Mum's always been good at poems," he said.

"And trust Grumps to send it in to you guys!"

("My Baby Boy" was sent to The Courier by Private Ford's grandparents.)

As Private Ford prepares to take part in Colac's Anzac Day parade before his imminent departure, The Courier has printed Ms Kelly's poem, "My Baby Boy".

"Worlds away, another day,

"A different time and all turned out fine,

"A young girl holds her baby boy,

"In wonder, delight and ultimate joy.

"Her precious bundle wrapped in blue,

"With two little fists reaching skyward too.

"Those tiny arms, fingers and toes,

"This little boy has such a long way to go!

"The years that follow she watches him grow,

"Sparkling blue eyes, adventurous and bold,

"Contagious smile, laughs and giggles,

"Wonderful cuddles, if only you could forever hold.

"Barefooted boy in heat and cold,

"You'll catch a cold! He was forever told,

"But strong and healthy, mischievous and helpful,

"Fun loving, curious, Mummy's right hand man.

"But the years fly by to another time,

"The baby, the boy, now a man!

"He's in the Army and off to Afghanistan.

"A Mother's love knows no bounds,

"No matter where he goes it will always be found,

"Pictures to ponder of family back yonder,

"Letters of love to make him smile,

"Will constantly travel the many miles.

"So proudly she watches her boy stand tall,

"And prays he shall never fall,

"That his tour of duty will soon be done,

"And home again he will come.

"For only a Mother can truly know,

"The mixed emotions to deal with,

"As she watches him go."

fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au